D230 Candidates on Funding the School District

The following question was asked of candidates campaigning for a seat on the Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education in Patch’s election questionnaire.

Answers are listed in the order they were received.

Revenue from the state is drying up. Rank the following in order of importance: 1) Staff Cuts 2) Contract Renegotiations 3) Operating Expense Cuts 4) Tax Increases or Other Funding Sources. Explain your reasoning.

We are fortunate to be living in a district whereas according to the 2012 Office of the Superintendent Financial Report, District 230 receives 80% of revenue from property taxes and in 2011, Standard and Poor’s improved the district’s creditworthiness on its outstanding debt. Each of these line items assume that because the state is not allocating funds to D230 at a consistent rate, one of these actions must be reviewed to make up any difference from the state. However the financial solvency and educational opportunities for future generations shouldn’t be mortgaged for any short-term “gain.” I stand for financially prudent decisions by the board.

Ben Twietmeyer

As District 230 prepares for the potential shifting of pension responsibilities from the state to local school districts, it is essential that the Board scrutinize all areas of our financial plan. We must work diligently to run our facilities efficiently and effectively, match our staffing to the needs of the students, and find a balance between the services we offer our students and the taxes we ask our residents and businesses for.

The challenge our district faces will require open communication between the Board, staff and the community. In an environment of decreasing funding it is imperative that we work collaboratively to identify areas of unnecessary cost while staying true to the primary responsibility of student achievement and safety. My experience as a classroom teacher provides insight into our students’ needs and will be an asset to the Board when making tough financial decisions that affect the classroom.

Melissa Gracias

1. Operating expenses
2. Contract negotiations 
3. Staff cuts
4. Tax increases

I would start with looking at operating costs to see where we could save money. Then, possibly negotiate some aspects of some contracts if applicable. Then look into staff reductions due to declining enrollment. I would like to possibly shift some staff to the other schools that enrollment is up. Why loose a vetted teacher or staff member if another school in our consolidated system needs more support? Lastly, I would look into the tax hikes. The housing market is still weak, unemployment is still high, so I believe this option would be considered last.

Tony Serratore

In order to resolve any potential revenue crisis, I believe the first thing we should do is look for other funding sources (this does not include raising taxes). I would recommend that we consider leasing the vacant land that the District owns. This should generate significant amounts of current revenue and designing the lease appropriately would provide the District the opportunity to sell the land in the future if the necessary. 

Secondly, I would look at ways to cut operating expenses. The District has been involved in cost saving measures for a number of years, which has lowered our utility bills. Examples are the new lighting systems in the main gyms at all three schools and the window project that will be completed this summer. We need to look at other ways to cut costs in the operation of our buildings. 

Contract renegotiations are a very difficult issue. We have outstanding teachers in the district and they keep our schools strong. The current teacher contract is currently being negotiated and I am sure that all parties are aware of the current financial situation.

My last resort would be staff cuts. I would be very much against this unless there were no other options. Not only do staff cuts adversely affect the teacher(s) losing their job(s), but they also impact the students who rely on the program(s) being cut.

Susan Dalton

My position on this question is not by ranking the order of importance but by taking a balanced approach to finances. In the event enrollment decreases, then I would look to use an attrition approach. A continued review of set expenses needs to be routinely made to ensure the best value is being received. The District should always be creative in bringing in new revenue and I would not be in favor of a tax rate increase at this time.

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